Genetics Teaching Resources
Making Genetics Real
Why model chromosomes?
Students struggle to understand the mechanics of meiosis, and fail to appreciate the connection between the events in meiosis and the principles of Mendelian inheritance. A solid understanding of the physical process of meiosis is also foundational for understanding recombination, linkage mapping, nondisjunction, aneuploidy and polyploidy.
Just as physical models of molecules help students understand organic chemistry, physical models of chromosomes help students of genetics understand Chromosome Theory – the relationship between meiosis and Mendelian laws. These kits were developed by a University of California professor after decades of teaching Genetics to thousands of premedical students.
Modeling Kits
Original Chromosome Modeling Kit
Our original kit contains all the components required for modeling mitosis and meiosis in homozygous and heterozygous diploids, as well as diploids of up to N=4 chromosomes, trisomy, triploids, and tetraploids. A sturdy storage box is included.
Teacher's Classroom Kit
For a more cost-effective option, this kit provides all the materials needed to self-assemble 24 original-style individual student kits. Includes assembly instructions, lesson plan, student worksheet template, and answer key.
Deluxe Chromosome Modeling Kit
Just like our original kit, but with magnetic centromeres. This upgrade allows for more fluent and realistic simulation of the sequence of events in mitosis and meiosis. Kit storage box with bead storage box included.